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I'm Dr. Anthony Liesiewicz and this is Climate Connections. If you think lima beans all look like the ones you remember from school lunches, think again.
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We've grown about 12 to 14 different varieties of limas from the fresh green lima bean that everyone knows to really tiny dry limas that you can use like a black bean or a pinto bean.
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Teddy Moynihan of Plowshare Farms in Pennsylvania has grown lima beans for several years as part of a USDA funded study. Lima beans are native to Central and South America, and many varieties can withstand hot, dry conditions. And as the US Gets more extreme weather, they show promise as a climate resilient crop. But many varieties require long nights to flower and cannot thrive in the longer summer days up north. So researchers are crossbreeding new varieties that will grow well in northern climates and appeal to consumers. And to get people excited about lima beans, Moynihan has sold them to Philadelphia restaurants and hosted a dinner where chefs featured limas in every course.
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There was summer chow chow with lima beans pickled. They did a mashed lima bean in the style of a mashed potato. And then for dessert there was a lima bean creme caramel.
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So he's helping to show off the potential of this versatile crop. Climate Connections is produced by the Yale center for Environmental Communication. To learn more about climate change, visit climateconnections.org.
Climate Connections – "Lima beans show potential as a climate-resilient crop"
Date: April 7, 2026 | Host: Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz
This episode explores how lima beans, often overlooked as a crop, are showing significant promise as a climate-resilient option in the context of global warming. The discussion delves into their adaptability, agricultural studies on their potential, and creative ways to make lima beans appealing to consumers and chefs alike. The episode features insights from Teddy Moynihan of Plowshare Farms, highlighting breeding efforts and culinary innovation.
Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz opens by challenging listeners’ assumptions about lima beans, hinting at their diversity beyond the typical "school lunch" variety.
Teddy Moynihan underscores the range of lima bean varieties:
This episode illustrates the role of agricultural adaptation in a warming world by focusing on the humble but diverse lima bean. Through research and culinary creativity, lima beans are positioned as a promising, climate-resilient crop for both growers and consumers—potentially changing perceptions and supporting food systems in the face of climate change.